By Christena Lawrie, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter.
At Tuesday’s Council meeting, following a motion discussing snow clearing, Councillor Conny Glenn brought forward another weather-related motion, this time focused on preparing for extreme heat.
The motion directs staff to report back to Council on options for a residential air conditioning unit program aimed at supporting Kingston residents with medical conditions in the face of extreme heat.
Heat response has been an ongoing conversation in Council chambers. In winter 2025, Council approved a motion establishing a maximum indoor temperature of 26 degrees Celsius for residential rental units during the summer. However, that motion was not extended to units without air conditioning already installed.
With unanimous support from Council, the City will be reviewing best practices from cities that have run programs providing portable air conditioners to low-income residents with health conditions, and consulting with Southeast Public Health.
City Staff are expected to return to Council with options by the end of April, a quick turnaround aimed at having a program in place for summer 2026.
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